Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Nurus brevis
Gazetted date:
01 Dec 2023
Profile last updated:
01 Dec 2023
Description
The Shorter Rainforest Ground-beetle is a relatively large, heavily built, wingless, carabid beetle. It is black with a metallic green sheen and can be distinguished from the closely related Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle by its smaller size.
Distribution
Described in the mid 1800s, it was thought to be extinct until the early 1970s when a population was located in Lismore. Currently the only known populations occur in Lismore and the Richmond Range near Mallanganee, west of Casino.
Habitat and ecology
- Subtropical and warm temperate rainforest.
- Nurus brevis is a flightless carabid that lives in small burrows of up to about 50cm, that it excavates with its powerful mandibles. Burrows are characteristically beneath roots, rocks or logs.
- Nurus brevis is an ambush predator. It maintains a cleared stage at the burrow entrance and waits at the entrance for passing leaf litter invertebrates.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction due to small isolated populations.
- Drying of rainforest remnants reducing prey availability (leaf litter invertebrates).
- Removal of leaf litter prey items by over-abundant Brush-turkeys.
- Weed invasion impacting the rainforest ground layer habitat.
- Predation by Cane Toads during warm wet nights when males emerge from burrows to mate.
- Hydrological changes causing flooding, erosion or loss of leaf litter.
- Burning of rainforest understorey in small remnants causing loss of prey (leaf litter invertebrates).
- Small-scale clearing causing habitat loss and dessication of rainforest ground layer.
- Beetle collecting activities.
- Insufficient understanding of species distribution.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Systematic survey of Nurus brevis habitat to locate the characteristic burrows of the species.
- Increase landowner awareness of the species and the importance of maintaining a healthy ground layer in rainforest remnants.
- Protect rainforest remnants from fire.
- Removal or control of weeds in rainforest remnants.
- Protect known and potential habitat from clearing and disturbance.
- Rehabilitate and reconnect rainforest remnants.
- Report any occurrences of the species to the OEH.
- Advise the OEH of any illegal collection activities.
Information sources
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Fauna. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Nurus brevis (a beetle). Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.